The non-governmental organisation Zero Waste Europe (ZWE) is calling on the European Commission to ensure that the upcoming revision of the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (PPWD) prioritises mechanical recycling of plastic over chemical recycling. The Commission should consider the climate impact of different recycling technologies when setting targets for recycled content, ZWE says. Moreover, Brussels should facilitate mechanical recycling by creating incentives for design for recycling and innovations along the plastic packaging value chain, according to the NGO.
These recommendations reflect the findings of a study conducted by Oeko-Institut and commissioned by ZWE and the Rethink Plastic alliance. The study found that greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from pyrolysis of plastic waste are nine times higher than those from mechanical recycling. A further problem is that "over half of the carbon content of plastic is lost in the pyrolysis process and has to be replaced by new plastic”. "This hinders a circular economic process,” according to Oeko-Institut....
